China on Saturday began construction of the world's first ultra-supercritical coal-fired power generation unit operating at 650 degrees Celsius, marking a major step toward cleaner and more efficient coal utilization.

The unit is situated at the Yuhuan Power Plant in east China's Zhejiang Province and is part of the plant's Phase IV expansion. It will feature a coal-fired generator with a main steam pressure of 35 megapascals. Both the main and reheat steam temperatures will reach 650 degrees Celsius, the highest parameters ever achieved globally for such a unit.

The project uses domestically developed high-temperature alloy materials, ensuring full independent control of key technologies.

Once completed, it will set new records for the highest operating parameters and lowest coal consumption among coal-fired power units, marking a milestone in clean coal technology and high-efficiency thermal power.